A case-study approach can be used to introduce students to the work that geologists do as environmental consultants. Data used by environmental consultants for a Brownfield site that is currently undergoing redevelopment in St. Paul, MN has been adapted for in-class study, either as a series of short exercises, or as part of a larger project.

Context

Audience:

Introductory environmental geology course for major or non-majors and and above or advanced High School class.

Goals

The student should understand the range of scientific disicplines that are involved in the cleanup of a polluted site (geology, chemistry, math, and physics).

Higher order thinking skills goals for this activity:

Using data to evaluate 3 dimensional nature of pollution in soils and groundwater. This involves integrating data sets.

Other skills goals for this activity:

Analyzing data and using it in calculations, working as a team, formulating hypotheses.

Description of the activity/assignment

A case-study approach can be used to introduce students to the work that geologists do as environmental consultants. Data used by environmental consultants for a Brownfield site that is currently undergoing redevelopment in St. Paul, MN has been adapted for in-class study, either as a series of short exercises, or as part of a larger project.